Chevrolet 1977 light duty truck Service Manual page 18

celerator pedal. Be prepared to turn off ignition
switch immediately if engine should start.
(c) STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (AUTOMATIC TRANS­
MISSION VEHICLES)-Check starter safety
switch by attempting to start the engine with
the transmission in each of the driving gears.
The starter should operate only in the Park
("P") or Neutral ("N") positions.
(d)STARTER SAFETY SWITCH (MANUAL TRANS­
MISSION VEHICLES)—To check, place the shift
lever in neutral, depress the clutch halfway,
and attempt to start. The starter should op­
erate only when clutch is fully depressed.
(e) TRANSMISSION SHIFT INDICATOR—Check to be
sure automatic transmission shift indicator
accurately indicates the shift position se­
lected.
STEERING—Be alert to any changes in steer­
( f )
ing action. The need for inspection or servic­
ing may be indicated by increased effort to
turn the steering wheel, excessive free play
or unusual sounds when turning or parking.
(g) WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE—In addition
to uneven or abnormal tire wear, the need for
wheel alignment service may be indicated by
a pull to the right or left when driving on a
straight and level road. The need for wheel
balancing is usually indicated by a vibration
of the steering wheel or seat while driving at
normal highway speeds.
(h) BRAKES—Be alert to illumination of the brake
warning light or changes in braking action,
such as repeated pulling to one side, unusual
sounds either when braking or between
brake applications, or increased brake pedal
travel. Any of these could indicate the need
for brake system inspection and/or service.
(i) EXHAUST SYSTEM—Be alert to any change in
the sound of the exhaust system or a smell of
fumes which may indicate a leak or overheat
condition requiring inspection and/or ser­
vice. (See also Engine Exhaust Gas Caution
and Catalytic Converter information in Own­
er's and Driver's Manual and Item B-3 in this
folder.)
(j) WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS - Check
operation of wipers, as well as condition and
alignment of wiper blades. Check amount
and direction of fluid sprayed by washers
during use.
(k) DEFROSTER—Check performance by moving
controls to "DEF" and noting amount of air
directed against the windshield.
(I) REARVIEW MIRRORS AND SUN VISORS-Check
that friction joints are properly adjusted so
mirrors and sun visors stay in the selected
position.
(m) HORN—Blow the horn occasionally to be sure
that it works. Check all button locations.
(n) LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS - Check belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, reminder
systems, guide loops, clips and anchors for
proper operation or damage. Check to make
certain that anchor mounting bolts are tight.
(o) SEAT ADJUSTERS—Check that seat adjusters
(and swivel seat lock, if present) securely en­
gage by pushing forward and backward (and
twisting) whenever seat is adjusted.
SEAT BACK LATCHES-Check to see that seat
(p)
back latches are holding by pulling forward
on the top of each folding seat back.
LIGHTS AND BUZZERS - Check all instrument
(q)
panel illuminating and warning lights, seat
belt reminder light and buzzer (if so
equipped), interior lights, license plate
lights, side marker lights, headlamps, park­
ing lamps, tail lamps, brake lights, turn sig­
nals, backup lamps, and hazard warning
flashers. Have headlamp aim checked every
12 months or 15,000 miles, or more often if
light beams seem to be aimed improperly.
GLASS— Check for broken, scratched, dirty or
(r)
damaged glass on vehicle that could obscure
vision or become an injury hazard.
DOOR LATCHES — Check for positive closing,
(s)
latching and locking.
HOOD LATCHES — Check to make sure hood
( t )
closes firmly by lifting on the hood after each
closing. Check also for broken, damaged or
missing parts which might prevent secure
latching.
(u) FLUID LEAKS—Check for fuel, water, oil or
other fluid leaks by observing the ground be­
neath the vehicle after it has been parked for
a while. (Water dripping from air condition­
ing system after use is normal.) If gasoline
fumes or fluid are noticed
at a n y tim e,
cause should be determined and corrected
without delay because of the possibility of
fire.
(v) SPARE AND JACK—Check that spare tire as­
sembly and jack equipment are securely
stowed at all times.
TIRES, WHEELS AND DISC BRAKES - Check disc.
B-2
brake pads for wear and surface condition of
rotors while wheels are removed during tire ro­
tation (see Item A-5). Check tires for excessive
wear or damage. Make certain wheels are not
bent or cracked and that wheel nuts have been
tightened to torque value specified in Owner's
and Driver's Manual. Check tire inflation pres­
sure (including spare tire) when tires are "cold"
at least monthly, or more often if daily visual in­
spection indicates the need.
B-3 EXHAUST SYSTEM* — Check complete exhaust
system including catalytic converter and nearby
body areas for broken, damaged, missing or mis-
positioned parts, open seams, holes, loose con­
nections or other deterioration which could per­
mit exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger
compartment or cause a heat buildup in floor
pan. Any necessary corrections should be made
immediately. To help continue integrity, exhaust
system pipes and resonators rearward of the
muffler must be replaced whenever a new
muffler is installed. (Also see Item B-1 (i).
B-4 SUSPENSION AND STEERING—Check for damaged,
loose or missing parts, or parts showing visible
signs of excessive wear or lack of lubrication in
front and rear suspension and steering system.
Questionable parts noted should be replaced by
a qualified mechanic without delay.
B-5 BRAKES AND POWER STEERING—Check lines and
hoses for proper attachment, leaks, binding,
cracks, chafing, deterioration, etc. Any question­
able parts noted should be replaced or repaired
immediately. When abrasion or wear is evident
on lines or hoses, the cause must be corrected.
B-6 ENGINE DRIVE BELTS*-Check belts driving fan,
AIR pump, generator, power steering pump and
air conditioning compressor for cracks, fraying,
wear and tension. Adjust or replace as neces­
sary.
B-7 DRUM BRAKES AND PARKING BRAKE— (See Item
for disc brake check.) Check drum brake linings
for wear or cracks and other internal brake com­
ponents at each wheel (drums, wheel cylinders,
etc.). Parking brake adjustment also should
be checked whenever drum brake linings are
checked.
the
NOTE: More frequent brake checks should be
made if driving conditions and habits result in
frequent brake application.
B-8 THROTTLE LINKAGE — Lubricate as covered in
Owner's and Driver's Manual. Check for dam­
aged or missing parts, interference or binding.
Any deficiencies should be corrected without
delay by a qualified mechanic.
B-2